Gold For Green

Rating the environmental efforts of races

The New York Road Runners has formed a committee to examine all aspects of its operations to maximize environmental responsibility. Still, Wittenberg points out some obstacles that most races, no matter what the size, face. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of things we need to be waterproof, like gear bags, bib numbers and so forth, which reduces their recyclability."

Nonetheless, while the environmental impact of races can't be completely eliminated, it can be greatly reduced. Among some of the actions races are already undertaking:

Decreasing or eliminating printed materials. The T.D. Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, utilized only online registration this year, and many smaller events have a similar policy. With the almost universal move to online posting of results, usually the same day as the race, many events have dropped post-race results mailings.

Encouraging carpooling and use of public transportation. When Cherry Blossom redesigned its course this year, an unforeseen benefit was repositioning the staging area within walking distance of a Washington, D.C., subway stop. To encourage runners to use the subway, the race paid to have the system open two hours earlier than normal; more than 60 percent of them took advantage of it. Some races have set aside VIP parking areas for runners who carpool.

Making goody bags better. Many races have replaced the traditional plastic bag with reusable or recycled alternatives; some have banned paper inserts from the contents.

Reducing internal combustion emissions. Hybrid, electric or gas-powered pace and escort vehicles reduce the amount of exhaust inhaled by the lead runners and put into the atmosphere. The use of solar-powered generators to run electrical equipment cuts down on air and noise pollution.

Greening their home base. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon launched an ambitious program of planting more than 75 trees each year along portions of its course; Hartford is similarly planting a tree for each mile of its race.

Recycling race-specific items. This is an area that many race directors identified as one of the most problematic. Safety pins, Tyvek bib numbers, Mylar space blankets are currently "use and toss" items, and while some events are instituting recycling initiatives for them, long-ingrained runners' habits will have to be rewired to make them effective.

As a follow-up to the Green Events Workshop, Road Race Management has published the Guide to Greener Running Events. The $50 book looks at the potential for green certification, presents a summary of race directors' thoughts and opinions about the environmental impact of their events, and offers a useful green guide to sponsors and vendors. (View the guidebook at rrm.com/rdm/green/greenbook.htm.)